Fork Build for a 453

[SkidRoe]

Gentlemen
The receiver for the trailer hitch was fitted to the bobcat when I purchased it, that's why I am so admit in using it, on a sadder note I am yet to find some weight plates around my area. A work colleague has offered me some for the right price (nothing) but has yet to give me them and also mentioned there was not a lot of weight to be had. Still better than nothing. The problem is without without the weight plates I am not sure on what I'm supposed to build to support them.
Cheers
Katoh

FWIW - You should not need much more than 100-150 lbs, especially with diesel engine in yours. With the 200 lbs on the back of mine, if I drop the bucket off, I can lift the front end up with one hand, to the point where it will rest on the back door and stay there. Makes for an interesting ride if you try to drive it like this!!

 

[Katoh]

FWIW - You should not need much more than 100-150 lbs, especially with diesel engine in yours. With the 200 lbs on the back of mine, if I drop the bucket off, I can lift the front end up with one hand, to the point where it will rest on the back door and stay there. Makes for an interesting ride if you try to drive it like this!!

That's about the amount of weight of have been searching for in the 75-100kg range, I am in no rush, sure something is going to come my way.
I can defintly understand about driving it unloaded with the counter weights on, it feels iffy just normally not with more weight on the rear and less on the front, actually even with the bucket on it feels uncomfortable going forward up my driveway, its not that steep but just gives you that impression that it wants to stand on the rear door.
Mind you in reverse I would climb a tree in it. Back on course, on flat ground can't see a problem, just have to source these weights. even thought about casting some out of lead, I have a bit of that around, but you shouldn't handle it too much.
Cheers
Katoh

 

[Smokin_Joe]

That's about the amount of weight of have been searching for in the 75-100kg range, I am in no rush, sure something is going to come my way.
I can defintly understand about driving it unloaded with the counter weights on, it feels iffy just normally not with more weight on the rear and less on the front, actually even with the bucket on it feels uncomfortable going forward up my driveway, its not that steep but just gives you that impression that it wants to stand on the rear door.
Mind you in reverse I would climb a tree in it. Back on course, on flat ground can't see a problem, just have to source these weights. even thought about casting some out of lead, I have a bit of that around, but you shouldn't handle it too much.
Cheers
Katoh

Gawd this info is awesome. I am in the act of purchasing some factory forks and the info on the counterweights and putting a receiver for to mount the counter (lifting) weights is perfect. My problem is the factory rep says I can't buy the mounting frame for my one handle bobtach anymore. Thank you all for this invaluable info. 1200lbs with counter weight of 200lbs. Woohee!

 

[Katoh]

Gawd this info is awesome. I am in the act of purchasing some factory forks and the info on the counterweights and putting a receiver for to mount the counter (lifting) weights is perfect. My problem is the factory rep says I can't buy the mounting frame for my one handle bobtach anymore. Thank you all for this invaluable info. 1200lbs with counter weight of 200lbs. Woohee!

Glad to see we can help. If you have more specific questions the other gentlemen are the ones to listen too, I'm still a novice with this thing. Cheers Katoh